Written by Julie Finn
Published on December 11th, 2009
Sometimes the simplest thing is the best.
Okay, the simplest thing is the best thing nearly always in my house, but even if you generally go the elaborate route, taking a break to do a few simple tasks–say, make some easy-peasy Christmas ornaments–can actually be really refreshing.
These Christmas ornaments, made from repurposed or recycled papers (like my Christmas cards), are extremely simple to make. You can freehand them or use cookie cutters, laminate them or simply sandwich cardboard in between, embellish them or leave them plain–whatever you want with whatever you have.
The key to giving these ornaments big impact is to choose papers that are extremely meaningful to you. Were there a couple of extra photos leftover when you had your Christmas pictures printed? Is your daughter’s report card cute but at the end of a reeeeeally long to-be-scrapbooked queue? Here’s what to do: Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on December 11th, 2009
Save your money for gifts this year. Don’t spend a small fortune on fancy gift bags, boxes, wrapping paper, tags, and cards- make your own out of what you have.
Almost anything can be transformed in something holiday wrap worthy with a little effort- cardboard boxes, paper bags, and baskets. Even that stack of paint sample cards can be used for something crafty. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on December 10th, 2009
I found this fabulous tutorial on how to make a large gift bow out of any paper you have on hand: magazines, scrap paper, pretty scrapbook paper, even old junkmail or maps.
The tutorial is from the talented crafter Jessica Jones and if you don’t follow her blog you should: http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com
Here’s some more info about the bow making process. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Julie Finn
Published on December 10th, 2009
Whether you are a hoarder of pretty papers or you take your art materials at random from the recycling bin, the holidays are an excellent time to use up the little bits and scraps of paper that tend to otherwise get lost or discarded.
At our house, our holidays are primarily handmade (except for Santa, of course–Santa’s been shopping the deals all year long), and I try not to buy any new materials when making my gifts and other projects, either.
AND I do almost all of my crafting with two little kids either actively helping, or at least in tow, so my stuff can’t be super-complicated or destroyed by the input of a five-year-old.
Hence the introduction of these fun little scrap paper cards, which are easy and satisfying AND just about free to make. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Becky Striepe
Published on December 9th, 2009
The weather is getting colder, and we have a handmade holiday on our minds! Handmade gifts have heart, are better for the environment, and, if you opt to buy, it supports independent artists!
To help get you in the handmade holiday spirit, we’ve been posting about recycled gifts and giftwrap you can make yourself and great handmade finds for sale!
So you’ve probably got your sights set on a Christmas tree, if you do that sort of thing, and you’re brainstorming some eco-friendly decorations ideas! Infused Goods has you covered with a super-detailed tutorial for making lovely cardboard ornaments! Here’s how:
Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Becky Striepe
Published on December 2nd, 2009
The weather is getting colder, and we have a handmade holiday on our minds! Handmade gifts have heart, are better for the environment, and, if you opt to buy, it supports independent artists!
If you want to have a totally handmade holiday, now is the time to get started. Over the next couple of months, we’ll be posting about recycled gifts and giftwrap you can make yourself and great handmade finds for sale!
My sweet nephews are totally into superheroes these days! The older one loves Superman and the younger is into Blue Batman. Not just any Batman, people. Blue. Obviously, I had no choice but to make them their very own superhero capes for Christmas! Here’s how you can make your own:
Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on November 28th, 2009
I love the look of wine and wine bottles and when I saw one of these wine bottle lamps at a craft show I knew I wanted to make my own.
It took a little practice and a lot of help from my husband but we figured out how to make them just right. Then we ran out of lights and couldn’t find anymore. Hopefully this season we can. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Becky Striepe
Published on November 25th, 2009
The weather is getting colder, and we have a handmade holiday on our minds! Handmade gifts have heart, are better for the environment, and, if you opt to buy, it supports independent artists!
If you want to have a totally handmade holiday, now is the time to get started. Over the next couple of months, we’ll be posting about recycled gifts and giftwrap you can make yourself and great handmade finds for sale!
A personalized collage is a great gift for family or maybe your best pal! Hero Arts has a great video tutorial on making beautiful collages. We’ve got the video and tips for turning this into a green craft project after the cut!
Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on November 22nd, 2009
Looking at these lovely fabric gift bag samples from Lucky Crow makes me wonder why everyone doesn’t use such crafty, beautiful and reusable bags during the holidays.
Sure some people really need that wrapping paper rip to feel like they are opening a gift but these bags are so beautiful they are a gift themselves. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on November 21st, 2009
If you don’t have time to make you own gift wrap or cards this year, or maybe if you just need a starting point check out Earth Love’n Paper Products. They make gift wrap and note cards from 100% recycled paper. Read the rest of this entry »
